5 year work gap and no work references

[IAteAllThePies]

Can anyone advise on where to start? I'm wondering if I need to do some voluntary work in order to gain up-to-date work references? The company I last worked for no longer exists and I'm quite stuck as to who to ask as a referee. Tales of encouragement (or tales of woe) from those who have re-entered the world of work would be appreciated. I'm hoping to find something part-time.

Thanks.

bump

I guess it would depend a bit on what you wanted to do and whether you want to work for the money or for the self-esteem/stimulation you get from a job. Can you be a bit more specific?

Fortunately, at the moment we do not NEED [desperately touching wood emoticon] an extra income. However, I would like to feel that I have earned some money, because although on a logical level I understand my contribution to the household would cost a fortune to outsource, my DHs income still feels like 'his' money. I'd like to do some work which is visible and valid in the eyes of others, rather than the invisible and largely unrecognised work I do as a SAHM. Admin type work for a local authority would suit me for now, in the sense that I am qualified through past work experience and they are probably the most flexible local employer while child-care commitments are still high on my priorities list. So while I'm not looking for anything very specialist or ambitious, I have good past work experience and a good education (degree),I've managed to convince myself that I'm probably unemployable. Self esteem seems to get a battering as a SAHM. I've had five years out of work and can't ask them to phone my last boss to hear how wonderful I am! So the question is, do I brush up my cv and just go for it, or step back and do some work for free to begin with?

I would simply call up the council and ask them. They will be an equal ops employer and so should have a policy on this.
also even if it is just for your own self esteem, i would brush up your cv adding anything like PTA membership which demonstrates and gives evidence of the skills that you have used as a SAHM
good luck

Would it be possible for you to do some temp work for a while? It might be easier to get into that, and then you would have experience and a reference to put on your CV.

I could do you a fake one.

As someone who often recruits, I would say a work gap is not a bad thing.

I am always interested to hear about anything people have done, whether it was paid, voluntary or just helping out friends, neighbours, the community etc.

Please don't think you are unemployable - your personality will be a major factor in seeking employment, as long as you can be positive about how you have spent those 5 years, employers shouldn't be put off.

If you went for an admin role, demonstrating computer skills would be useful. Even if it's just, I do my home accounts on the computer.

As someone who often recruits, I would say a work gap is not a bad thing.

I am always interested to hear about anything people have done, whether it was paid, voluntary or just helping out friends, neighbours, the community etc.

Please don't think you are unemployable - your personality will be a major factor in seeking employment, as long as you can be positive about how you have spent those 5 years, employers shouldn't be put off.

If you went for an admin role, demonstrating computer skills would be useful. Even if it's just, I do my home accounts on the computer.